Therapy of lichen ruber planus

The treatment of lichen ruber planus is long lasting and does not always lead to success. Normally, however, the disease is self-limiting and heals spontaneously on its own, but there are also more serious courses that require treatment. It is important to avoid scratching or rubbing the skin, as this aggravates the symptoms and leads to pain.

To treat nodular lichen, the affected skin areas are treated locally with the glucocorticoid cortisone, which is administered for a short time in the form of creams or ointments. The treatment can be performed open or under a bandage. Alternatively, vitamin A preparations (retinoids) can be used.

Stubborn nodules can be injected directly by the doctor with a cortisone solution. Very severely cornified lesions are additionally treated with salicylic acid. In combination with cortisone therapy, irradiation with UV light (PUVA therapy) can also accelerate wound healing and thus lead to a significant improvement of the nodular ligament.

Furthermore, in such a case, active substances are used which dampen the immune system and thus alleviate the autoimmune inflammation (immunosuppressive drugs). These include for example tacrolimus or cyclosporine. For the treatment of severe itching, the doctor can prescribe antihistamines which render the body’s own messenger substance histamine ineffective and thus help to combat itching.

In the case of lichen ruber mucosae, local anesthetics alleviate the severe burning of lesions of the mucous membrane, and nicotine and spicy foods should also be avoided.Non-drug measures, such as cooling the skin with moist compresses or gel pads, also alleviate the itching. According to the WHO, lichen ruber planus is classified as precancerous, which means that the skin changes are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Therapy-resistant foci can develop into squamous cell carcinoma after years.

However, this is only very rarely the case. Nevertheless, a dermatological follow-up is recommended for stubborn papules in order to detect any malignant degeneration at an early stage and, if necessary, remove it surgically. Homeopathy offers alternative treatment options for papule lichen.

By taking homeopathic drops, the itching centres of inflammation can recede and the course of the disease can be shortened. Schüssler salts and Bach flowers can strengthen the immune system and thus positively influence the disease. From a homeopathic point of view, the remedies “Natrium muriaticum”, “Arsenicum album” and “Anacardium” can also help. As a basic treatment, three globules in the potency C5 are recommended in daily rotation. However, the individual homeopathic treatment should be carried out and supervised by a therapist.